News and Updates for Licensees and Industry
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Upcoming Public Meetings and Events
July 18, 2024 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting
October 17, 2024 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting
Vehicle safety systems inspections begin July 8! NEW
Effective July 8, 2024, licensed vehicle safety systems inspection stations and technicians can start performing vehicle safety systems inspections.
If your station has submitted a license application and has not been scheduled for a station inspection, contact BAR Field Office Support at BARenforcement@dca.ca.gov or call (279) 237-3570. After passing the station inspection, purchase certificates of compliance conveniently through the BAR Safety Inspection System (BAR-SIS). Make sure your station has registered and downloaded the California Vehicle Inspection System (Cal-VIS) software to your BAR-SIS and completed the online enrollment and participation agreement through the Cal-VIS billing portal before purchasing certificates.
Vehicle safety systems inspection technicians are required to complete biometric enrollment before performing inspections. If you are a licensed Smog Check inspector and have already completed biometric enrollment, you do not need to reenroll.
For additional information, resources, and a helpful video to help prepare for the new inspections, visit www.bar.ca.gov/safety.
Expedited licensure application processing for service members enrolled in Skillbridge NEW
Beginning July 1, 2024, expedited licensure application processing is available to service members currently enrolled in the U.S. Department of Defense SkillBridge Program.
Service members seeking licensure in California who qualify must complete an application for licensure and provide documentation of enrollment, such as an official letter from the commanding officer. Failure to provide proper documentation could result in application processing delays. Applicants must still meet all licensing requirements.
For more information on licensing resources available to service members, visit Resources for members of the United States Armed Forces and their families.
Online application for ARD registration or station licensure now available! NEW
Applicants can now apply for an automotive repair dealer registration or station license online. The new online application allows applicants to complete the application, upload documentation, pay fees, clear deficiencies, and receive processing notifications entirely online. Apply now
New webpage offers guidance on storage fees
BAR's new storage fee webpage is intended to help support consumers and both the automotive repair and insurance industries with common storage fee issues. The page provides information on charging storage fees, towing and storage services, working with insurers, and resolving complaints and disputes.
Name and gender change notification and request for confidentiality (SB 372)
Effective January 1, 2024, under Business and Professions Code section 27.5, licensees may notify a licensing board or bureau within the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) of a name and/or gender change and request confidentiality of the previous name or gender information, when meeting certain specified requirements. Learn more
Print your license online!
BAR’s new license print feature offers licensees the convenience of self-service license printing, eliminating the need to wait for the license mailed by BAR’s print vendor or request a duplicate/replacement license.
Renewal notice printing delays
Due to technical difficulties being experienced by the vendor responsible for printing and mailing BAR's license renewal notices, licensees may experience delays in receiving their renewal notices. Licensees who do not receive their courtesy renewal notice are still responsible for renewing their license before the expiration date.
For assistance, contact BAR's Licensing Program by email at BARLicensing@dca.ca.gov or by phone at (855) 735-0462.
Resources for members of the United States Armed Forces and their families
Application and licensure assistance options are available to members of the United States Armed Forces and their spouses or domestic partners. To learn more, visit Resources for Members of the United States Armed Forces and Their Families.
Expedited licensure process for refugees, asylees, and holders of SIVs
Refugees, asylees, and holders of special immigrant visas (SIV) may seek an expedited licensure process as required by Business and Professions Code section 135.4. Learn more
The Smog Check Referee Program is recruiting
Join the Referee team and help reduce air pollution for all Californians. Positions are open at community college campuses throughout California. Learn more
BAR career opportunities are available for auto professionals
We’re hiring! BAR is seeking professionals in the automotive industry to fill program representative vacancies across the state. For information on openings and how to apply, visit Career Opportunities.
Fraud alerts for DCA licensed professionals
DCA licensed professionals may be impacted by fraudulent activity. Read fraud alerts